Kuwait champions unity at key GCC-Central Asia talks

Arab Times

16-04-2025

KUWAIT CITY, April 16: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received on Tuesday at Bayan Palace Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, who presented to His Highness the Foreign Ministers and representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Central Asian states. The meeting was held on the occasion of the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Central Asian countries, hosted by Kuwait. His Highness the Crown Prince conveyed the greetings of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness affirmed the keenness of both the GCC and Central Asian states on continuing to strengthen cooperative and coordinated relations across political, economic, and cultural fields.
His Highness also reiterated Kuwait's commitment to supporting constructive dialogue and consolidating frameworks for strategic partnerships that serve mutual interests and promote regional and international peace and stability. The meeting was attended by His Highness the Crown Prince's Office Director Retired Lieutenant General Jamal Mohammad Al-Theyab, and the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs at His Highness the Crown Prince's Diwan, Mazen Eissa Al-Eissa. Kuwait's Foreign Minister and Chairman of the current session, Abdullah Al-Yahya, emphasized that the third ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Central Asia marks a significant step toward building a sustainable strategic partnership. Al-Yahya made these remarks during his opening speech at the meeting, hosted by Kuwait on Wednesday.
Regarding the appeals filed by the Iraqi President and Prime Minister against the Federal Court's decision to annul the Khor Abdullah Agreement, Al-Yahya stated, 'This is an internal Iraqi matter that does not concern us.' He added, 'The Federal Court has made its decision, and we await the outcome.' He then affirmed that the ministerial meeting marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between the GCC and Central Asian nations. He stressed that the meeting reflects the deep historical, cultural and humanitarian ties between the sides, along with their mutual political will to strengthen strategic cooperation in pursuit of shared interests and to overcome common challenges. He said the meeting established a new strategic platform aimed at fostering a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect, common interests and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous future. He added a range of priority issues were addressed at the meeting. He disclosed that the importance of enhancing economic and trade cooperation was highlighted at the meeting; focusing on facilitating trade exchange, encouraging investment, and improving connectivity of transportation, energy and natural resources. 'Particular attention was given to the transition to clean energy, the green economy and modern technology,' he elaborated.
On political and security matters, Al-Yahya revealed the ministers underscored the need to expand consultations and coordinate positions on regional and global challenges; particularly in combating terrorism and extremism, confronting cyber threats, and fortifying security cooperation through the exchange of information and expertise to protect societies from cross-border threats. He added that regional and international developments were among the vital items on the agenda, with the Palestinian issue taking center stage. 'Both sides reiterated their unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, especially the establishment of an independent State along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. They also called for an immediate end to the aggression against the Gaza Strip, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and an end to the suffering of innocent civilians,' he narrated. On the situation in Syria, Al-Yahya emphasized the need to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political solution in accordance with United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2254 -- one that preserves Syria's unity and territorial integrity and ends the suffering of the Syrian people. On the sidelines of the meeting, Al-Yahya held a series of discussions with various ministers to explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties, expand cooperation, and coordinate positions in international forums.
He revealed these discussions aim to solidify a forward-looking concept of regional solidarity. In conclusion, Al-Yahya expressed his anticipation for the upcoming second summit between the GCC and Central Asian countries, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on May 5. He voiced optimism that the summit will be a pivotal step toward launching new initiatives and projects to elevate cooperation to strategic levels that serve shared interests and collective aspirations. In his opening remarks as Chairman of the current meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, Al-Yahya underscored the significance of the meeting as a critical stage in the journey toward a sustainable strategic partnership that contributes to regional and global security, stability and development. He considers the meeting a chance to strengthen bilateral frameworks and consolidate a multidimensional partnership; encompassing political, economic, cultural and security cooperation. He cited the remarkable progress in relations between the GCC and Central Asian countries, which now stand as a model of fruitful cooperation across various domains like trade, investment, cultural exchange and technological innovation. 'Today, more than ever; we are facing complex regional and international challenges that require close coordination and effective cooperation on multiple fronts,' he stated. On security, Al-Yahya reiterated that security and stability are core pillars of the joint strategy. He stressed the importance of strengthening security coordination, combating terrorism, and confronting cyber and organized crime threats as shared priorities that contribute to broader regional and global stability.